Fuel Cell Stack Enclosure Integrated Mounting Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell stacks face issues with increased volume and weight due to separate mounting structures, which lead to damage from vibrations and require additional space for mounting, compromising rigidity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact and integral mounting structure for the fuel cell stack is achieved by using side covers, a lower cover, and an upper cover with airtight members, endplates, and reinforcing beams, reducing dead space and overall volume while enhancing rigidity without increasing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate mounting structures are used for the stack module and the stack, then the mounting flexibility is improved, but the enclosure volume increases due to dead space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stack module mounting bracket and the stack mounting bracket into a single integrated mounting structure. The mounting bracket directly couples the stack module to the enclosure underframe, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing dead space. This integration maintains mounting flexibility while significantly reducing the enclosure volume.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the enclosure underframe rigidity is increased to prevent damage from vibrations, then the stack stability is improved, but the overall weight of the enclosure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration protection function into two parts: the mounting bracket absorbs vertical vibrations through its elastic deformation, while the enclosure underframe handles horizontal mounting. This segmentation allows the underframe to maintain adequate rigidity for stability without excessive weight increase, as the mounting bracket承担了主要的振动吸收功能.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material or structural parameters of the mounting bracket to optimize its vibration absorption capability. By adjusting the bracket's elasticity, thickness, or material properties, it can effectively absorb vibrations without requiring the enclosure underframe to be excessively rigid and heavy.
3Reliability
If the mounting bracket is designed to absorb vibrations, then the stack protection is improved, but the bracket complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed as a flexible component that can elastically deform to absorb vibrations. By using thin-walled structures or flexible materials, the bracket achieves vibration absorption functionality without complex mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while improving stack protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell stack enclosure is provided that includes side covers configured to be joined with each of end of a stack module respectively. A lower cover is also configured to be provided under the stack module and formed to partially cover a lower portion and a first side portion of an outer surface of the side cove. An upper cover may be provided over the stack module, and be formed to partially cover an upper portion and a second side portion of the outer surface of the side cover to enclose the stack module along with the lower cover while joining with the side covers.